Jesus heavily criticized religious traditions when they were elevated above or contradicted the commandments of God. In Matthew 7:1-13, Mark 7:1-13. He accused the Pharisees of promoting human rituals, like handwashing, over divine commands such as honoring your parents, effectively nullifying God’s word for the sake of their own traditions.
Jesus summarizes his teaching about traditions by saying this in Matthew 15:8-9 (ESV)
This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
This statement condemns hypocritical, empty worship that follows human traditions over sincere, heartfelt devotion, The phrase highlights that outward religious acts are meaningless without internal commitment and dedication. Although I’m sure there are committed individuals in religious systems like there were in Jesus’ day; Nicodemus for instance, empty doctrine and traditions are still the substance of many religious systems of our day.
Jesus used this phrase to expose the hypocrisy of religious leaders who prioritized man-made rules (like handwashing traditions) over God's commands.
"Lip service" refers to praising God with words while the heart/intentions remain detached or devoted to other things. God desires a sincere heart and a genuine relationship rather than just outward, formal obedience. Such worship is considered "in vain" (useless or worthless).
The Apostle Paul exhorts followers of Jesus to have nothing to do with them; 2 Timothy 3:5
having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people.
This past Wednesday, February 18th was the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. Lent is a 40-day (excluding Sundays) Christian liturgical season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter. It serves as a period of repentance, spiritual reflection and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, representing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.
Lent is preceded by “Carnival” (absence of meat or flesh). Carnival traditionally served as the final, hedonistic opportunity to consume rich, fatty foods before strict abstinence of Lent. Indeed, in some countries of the world, this day of hedonism gives individuals to fully engage in debauchery and licentiousness before engaging in the disciplines of Lent. However, as we shall see, the origin of Lent has very little to do with Christ or Christianity.
Long before Christ’s crucifixion, the cross symbolized the Babylonian god “Tammuz” -
Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Season. Despite it being marked on the Christian calendar, its’ based on pagan traditions.
The sign of the cross could refer to “Jesus” but historically it’s been symbolic of the sun god. According to the Babylonian tradition, at the age of 40 Tammuz was killed by a wild boar. Hence, forty days of fasting were designated to worship him (Tammuz). Women wept for him for 40 days as recorded in the Bible. This abomination is recorded in Ezekiel 8:14.
“Then he brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the Lord, and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz”.
On the Vernal Equinox, Tammuz resurrected from the dead – evidence by the rebirth and blooming of vegetation at spring time. A pig was eaten in his memory, which is where the tradition of the Easter Ham originates.
Jesus said not to disfigure ones face when you fast, as the heathens do. Therefore, the ashes placed on the forehead, the third eye, on Ash Wednesday are symbolic of Tammuz – a spirit of Antichrist.
The Biblical definition of true repentance involves a genuine change of heart, mind, and action, turning away from sin toward God (Acts 3:19, 2 Cor 7:10). Key verses include Acts 2:38,
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
True repentance is not just a religious 40 day exercise. True repentance calls for a permanent change in lifestyle. It calls for baptism and forgiveness, and a permanent hunger and desire to live for Jesus.
The Apostle John highlights God's faithfulness in purifying those who confess sins, 1 John 1:9.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Repentance is considered a gift from God in the Bible because it is a divinely granted change of heart that leads to life, often initiated by His grace rather than human effort alone; Acts 11:18
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
God grants, gives, or allows repentance, Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Therefore, let us turn to God as the Apostle Peter said in the book of Acts 3:19-20
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.
God bless!!!!